Altitude sickness: it's symptoms, treatment and prevention

Altitude sickness refers to the illness at high altitude due to gaining elevation in a short period of time and low atmospheric oxygen. Generally, altitude sickness occurs in elevation above 2500 m/ 8200 ft regardless of age and fitness level. Most trekking routes in the Himalayas have a high chance of acute mountain sickness AMS) which may take a life of trekkers. We should be careful as soon as we feel the symptoms of AMS. 

What are the types of altitude sickness?

There are three types of altitude sickness: acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). All three types of altitude sickness can be severe and may take a life if not cured on time.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS)

The altitude sickness which occurs due to low atmospheric pressure and reduced oxygen level is called acute mountain sickness. It only occurs at high altitudes (>2500 m/ 8202.1 feet). It does not depend on fitness level while it is completely dependent on acclimatization and walking speed. If the trekker acclimatizes properly before gaining high altitude, then there will be less chance of acute mountain sickness. When the AMS gets worse it changes into High-altitude cerebral edema or high-altitude pulmonary edema. 

 High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE)

High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is a severe condition resulting due to swelling of the brain with fluid while trekking to high altitude.  It is an uncommon altitude sickness that is complicated and life-threatening. It occurs after AMS. If we do not take precautions and return to a lower altitude then we may lose our life from HACE. 

High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)

High-altitude pulmonary edema refers to severe conditions resulting from fluid buildup in lungs at high altitude. It occurs due to a breakdown in the pulmonary blood-gas barrier and an increase in pulmonary blood pressure. It leads to the death of trekkers if not treated on time.

Symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS, HACE, HAPE)

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• loss of appetite
• lack of sound sleep
• Difficult in breathing

What causes altitude sickness?

The main cause of altitude sickness is high elevation and low atmospheric pressure. Lack of acclimatization, drinking less water, and walking at high speed without rest are some causes that increase the chance of altitude sickness.

Some major causes of altitude sickness are:

High elevation

The atmospheric pressure is inversely proportional to altitude. Therefore, high altitude has a reduced oxygen level with a thin atmosphere. So trekking to higher elevations, i.e., above 2500 m from sea level, can cause altitude sickness due to low oxygen levels.

Drinking less water

Drinking less water can cause dehydration, resulting in headaches. Therefore, not drinking enough water can increase the chance of altitude sickness due to dehydration and weakness in the body.

Power walking

Power walking can increase the chance of altitude sickness due to short breathing and lack of acclimatization. Trekkers should avoid power walking to remain safe in high altitudes.

Lack of acclimatization

Acclimatization refers to gaining elevation and returning to a lower altitude so that the body can adjust at high elevation. Lack of acclimatization takes time to adjust in high elevation, which results in altitude sickness. 

What are preventive measures for altitude sickness?

The preventive measures of altitude sickness can protect trekkers from difficult situations in trekking. The following preventive measures are essential steps that every trekker should follow while trekking to higher elevations.

• Using Dimox tablet
• Acclimatization
• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding hard drinks
• Take garlic soup
• Healthy habits

Using Dimox tablet

Using a Dimox tablet is the best way to prevent altitude sickness. But it is always recommended to consult with a doctor to take a dimox tablet. We should always take dimox from the starting day of trekking.

How to use Dimox?

We should use dimox from low altitude. Normally, dimox tablets constitute 250 mg, and we should take 125 mg in the morning and 125 mg in the evening every day. Using dimox after breakfast and lunch is the best way of taking it.

Should we use Dimox throughout the trek?

No, we should not use Dimox tablets throughout the trek. It is essential to use Dimox from a lower altitude and continue until reaching the highest elevation and returning down below 3500 m above sea level. It is not necessary to use Dimox if you are trekking to 3500 m above sea level.

Can we avoid Dimox tablets?

Yes, we can avoid dimox tablets only if we are good trekkers and have the best experience at high altitudes. Trekkers without experience in mountain treks should not avoid Dimox tablets.

Side effects of dimox

• Frequent urination
• Tingling sensation on the tip of nose, ear, and toe
• May cause Allergy

Acclimatization

Acclimatization is very important for preventing altitude sickness. We should trek to higher altitudes and return to lower altitudes to adjust our bodies to changing climatic conditions. Acclimatization will be successful only if we trek to a higher altitude and return to a lower altitude to spend overnight. Trekking to the Khumjung viewpoint and returning to Namche Bazaar is an example of acclimatization during the Everest base camp trek.

 Drinking plenty of water

Drinking plenty of water keeps the body hydrated and reduces the chance of headaches. It helps to regulate the metabolism and keeps the body healthy. 

Avoiding hard drinks

Hard drinks like alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited to be safe from headaches and altitude sickness. The hard drinks cause dehydration and make trekkers weak while gaining elevation. 

Take garlic soup

Garlic soup makes the body warm and prevents headaches due to a cold. Therefore, garlic soup is always beneficial to maintain your body temperature. 

Healthy habit

Healthy habits during the trek refer to sleeping on time, taking meals properly, walking slowly, eating hygienic food, and drinking enough water. Maintaining healthy habits during the trek can prevent altitude sickness. 

Try to have Nepali meals (dal and bhat) and avoid meat in high elevations. Nepali meal is hygienic and can be digested easily as compared to meat in the mountains. Our body gets tired and energy less on high elevations thus eating light food is supportive for better digestion.

Treatment of altitude sickness

As soon as we feel the symptoms of altitude sickness then we should immediately start our treatment. Some of the easiest ways of treating altitude sickness are listed below.

• Descending to lower elevation
• Intake of oxygen using an oxygen cylinder and oxygen mask
• Use Gamow bags to maintain oxygen level
• Taking pills for headache
• Taking garlic soup and cloves

Conclusion

Altitude sickness is the challenge of a high-altitude trek. Every trekker should be conscious of the symptoms of altitude sickness and immediately start the treatment after knowing altitude sickness in their own body. Consulting with a guide and proper care can make a successful trip without suffering from altitude sickness.